Secret Warrior puts his reputation on stake in the S.A. Poonawalla Million 
By Usman Rangila

Pune
Sep 19, 2004

Ten three-year-old horses figure in the final line-up for this year’s edition of the S.A. Poonawalla Million (Gr.2), to be run over a distance of a mile. This race is going to be an acid test for Secret Warrior on all counts. The progeny of Warrshan out of Anodyne remains unbeaten on the racetrack after five starts in his career so far and will staking his reputation on this occasion. 

Despite a talk among the railbirds present during the morning trackwork that trainer the Dallas Todywalla’s ward is not in the pink of conditions, Secret Warrior will undoubtedly carry the public’s purse along with the imposing 62kg on his back. Jockey B. Prakash will resume his duties in the saddle astride Secret Warrior.

In the unlikely scenario of Secret Warrior crumbling under the weight, Adam’s Star (Placerville-Mitzvah) and Ocean of Angels (Alnasr Alwasheek-L’lle Mysterieuse) are the two horses that have a greater chance of making it to the winner’s enclosure. However, it does not imply that Gold Star, Rivage, Magic Nobility, Proteus and Rivage do not stand a chance against Secret Warrior.

(File Photo)
Secret Warrior (B Prakash up)  being led by owner Dr. MAM Ramaswamy

Coming back to Adam’s Star, this Bezan Chenoy trainee defied his paddock looks just two weeks back and came with a sparkling run, although a wayward one in the last 100-mts, to steal the race from Striking Beauty. Adam’s Star will have surely stripped fitter after that unexpected victory and has the ability to take the battle right into the rival camp. S. Rajesh has been entrusted the responsibility of steering Adam’s Star.

Hormuz Antia’s candidate Ocean of Angels, on the other hand, makes his maiden appearance on the Pune racetrack and definitely lacks exposure. However, he has been track well enough to make an impact in the race and has the versatile Pesi Shroff guiding his fortunes.

With the arrival of Lord Ganesh in the city, the festivities have only just begun. Adding colour to the festive ‘Ganeshotsav’ will be the S.A. Poonawalla Million, to be run on Sunday, September 19. If one thought that the owners of the winner of this event would be the only lucky guys at the racecourse, think again.

The S.A. Poonawalla Million attracts a big crowd every year thanks to the free contest of skill that is held on the day of the running of this race. A Maruti-800 is on offer for the one lucky racegoer who can correctly nominate the horses that would come first, second, third and fourth in the Million race. If more than one correct nomination is received then the winner will be declared through a draw. A Colour TV, a Music System and a Wrist Watch will be given as consolation prizes. 

For those who have an appetite for risks, they have the Jackpot Pool and the Super Jackpot Pool to take a crack at. The carried over amount of Rs. 8.17 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh will be added to the collections of the Jackpot and Super Jackpot Pool collections of Sunday